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THE TRAITOR, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Robert Frost's "The Traitor" is a poem steeped in themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the tragic consequences of war. Through vivid imagery and a narrative structure, Frost tells the story of Lorna, a warrior whose fate is marked by both valor and treachery.

The poem opens with a stark, mournful tone: "Sea-bird of the battle surf, / Lorna is dead." This immediate declaration of death sets a somber mood and introduces the sea-bird as a symbol of mourning and witness to the tragic events. The "battle surf" evokes a tumultuous setting, linking Lorna's death to the chaos of war.

"Black on Colla's castled hill / Ruin is spread." These lines describe the aftermath of conflict, with the once-proud castle now in ruins. The imagery of darkness and destruction serves as a backdrop for the story of Lorna, emphasizing the high cost of war and the devastation left in its wake.

The narrative begins with a glimpse of Lorna's loyalty and bravery: "Weep for Lorna who rode forth / With his king against the North." Lorna's allegiance to his king and his participation in the battle against northern foes establish him as a courageous and dedicated warrior.

The poem then shifts to Lorna's return from battle: "Lorna came again at morn, / Riding from war. / Messenger of battle won, / Tidings he bore." Lorna's role as a messenger underscores his importance in conveying the news of victory. His report, "Quenchless was the charge he made, / Low the insurgent walls were laid," highlights his heroic actions and the successful outcome of the battle.

However, as the poem unfolds, a sense of foreboding emerges. During the celebrations in Colla's halls, a warder sees "Serried spears in the sunrise blaze," indicating an impending threat. This sight contrasts sharply with the revelry inside the castle, suggesting that danger looms even in moments of apparent triumph.

The poem takes a darker turn with the revelation of Lorna's cry in a vault: "By an altar in a vault -- / Night dripping dew -- / Lorna's muffled cry arose; / Bat-like it flew." The imagery of the vault and the bat-like cry evoke a sense of secrecy and dread. Lorna's cry, "Sacrifice for victory! / Priest and victim find in me!" reveals his willingness to offer himself as a sacrifice, blurring the lines between heroism and desperation.

The concluding stanza returns to the imagery of the sea-bird and the castle's ruin: "Sea-bird of the battle surf, / Lorna is dead. / Black on Colla's castled hill / Ruin is spread." The repetition of these lines reinforces the tragic outcome and the pervasive sense of loss. The final lines, "Royal seal upon the tomb / Where he sleeps in endless gloom," suggest that Lorna's sacrifice has been recognized, but it also hints at the futility and permanence of his death.

In "The Traitor," Robert Frost weaves a narrative that explores the complexities of loyalty, sacrifice, and the devastating effects of war. Through rich imagery and a poignant storyline, the poem delves into the dualities of heroism and betrayal, ultimately presenting a tragic tale of a warrior caught between duty and despair. The sea-bird, the ruined castle, and the somber tone collectively underscore the themes of loss and the inescapable consequences of conflict.


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